Reviews

Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden

sharonsm_28's review against another edition

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3.0

Okay Read

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Lucy Holden for the opportunity to read and listen to your book. This was an alright read. This is the first book of a multi-part Fantasy Romance saga called the Woven Saga. The premise of the story was really interesting and drew me in, but I did feel a little bit disappointed with the story because the story was too slow-paced. I love listening to the audiobook while reading the physical or digital copy. In this story, Zaria, the heroine, is a slave who wants to protect her siblings and win her freedom. Along the way, a series of unfortunate events occurred, and she was sold to the Savage King, Harken. This is a slow-burn romance. I wish that the pace of the book was faster. Also, I would have liked it if we got more chapters from the hero's perspective. As for the characters, I liked Harken. To me, he was really interesting to read about. I liked that we got to know about what happened to him to make him the Savage King. Zaria was another good character. I think she is intelligent and protective. She does whatever she can to protect her family, and that is something that I think we can all relate to. She experienced a lot of things from the grief of losing her brother in the beginning. I thought the romance was good. I thought that they had great chemistry. I will continue the series to see what happens next, but I hope that the pace will be faster. Overall, an okay read.

kmoon116's review against another edition

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5.0

I got an ARC audiobook through NetGalley to preview. Wow. This story is so unique and exciting! Most fantasy stories contain the same basics - dragons, witches/wizard, evil magic villains, etc. But this story has such a unique setting, plot, and characters and the author does a great job of world building. It can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning to keep all the details and characters straight but the author revisits the details throughout the story. I was really wrapped up in the story and didn’t want to put it down!

books_highlighters_me's review

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5.0

This book was so DAMN awesome! I even had the audiobook with me and that just added more to its pre-existent perfection! The plot, the characters, the SLOW BURN... gosh! Everything was so well written and I loved, just LOVED, this book with all of my heart.
It's not a super quick read but it's definitely worth whatever time you take to read it. Honestly, for a long while I had this book on my shelf, just 70% completed, I didn't want this book to end, I didn't want the book to leave me hanging, wanting for more but then finally, I decided to complete it and it's something I regret and I don't at the same time. I don't regret completing it because this book was a masterpiece and I do regret it because I never wanted to come out of that world! This is such an awesome book and absolutely not one you can afford to miss!

maineagle's review

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

gammy_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Thank you NetGalley and Fehu Press for granting me access to the book AND the audiobook as well in exchange for an honest review. 

Woven in Darkness is the first book in a new "Woven Saga" fantasy romance series that is influenced by Greek mythology. The enticing synopsis and the fact that it was being compared to ACOTAR made reading this a no brainer for me! Is it similar to ACOTAR? Yes, it does have some of the same themes while being completely unique and unlike anything I have ever read. Needless to say, I had extremely high expectations!

In the beginning I struggled with the highly complex world building and terminology. The amount of information and worlds thrown at you all at once was a bit overwhelming. Honestly, about 50% into the book I wondered if it was worth continuing because of the complicated world building and the exceptionally slow pacing. Instead I decided to try the audiobook (a first for me) to see if it would help and I am so glad I did!! What a world of difference it made in my reading experience!! In addition, the last half of the book picked up pace and I found myself immersed in the story! Now on to what I loved about the book 🥰🥰!!!

Welcome to the unique and magical fantasy world of Astria! Zaira is a strong protagonist who is determined to free her siblings and herself from the braid bond slavery. When her brother, Doran, is lost into a Dark Rip, their situation becomes more dire and Zaira knows she must act quickly. Harken is a morally grey savage king who is the protector of the woven court. Learning of Zaire's problem, he offers her a deal that would be beneficial to both of them. This should be easy and nothing could go wrong, right?!?

I loved the banter, tension and chemistry between Harken and Zaira. Harken was all like who hurt you and let me heal you! The nickname he had for Zaira was just so endearing. The secondary characters were wonderful and I just loved Huxley who is cutest flying dragon!! 

The book does not end on a cliffhanger and it can be read as a stand alone. However, I will read the remainder of the trilogy once it is released. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a mix of Hunger Games and ACOTAR! ✨✨✨✨

allhdvm's review

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5.0

I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

allhdvm's review against another edition

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5.0

I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

araskov's review against another edition

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3.0

Woven in Darkness by Lucy Holden is a captivating new adult fantasy romance that immerses readers in a world of magic and intricate power dynamics. Inspired by Persian and Greek mythology, this book delivers a thrilling tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom.

The story follows Zaria, a courageous young woman who is determined to liberate her siblings from the clutches of slavery. Her path intertwines with Harken, the enigmatic Savage King, who harbors his own secrets and keeps his court hidden behind a shroud of mystery. As they navigate a dangerous landscape filled with darkness and treachery, Zaria must confront her own hidden truths that bind her to Harken and may hold the key to their survival.

Holden's world building is rich and vivid, drawing upon mythological elements to create a tapestry of magic and intrigue. While the pacing occasionally slows as the intricate history of the world is revealed, this depth serves to enhance the understanding of the characters and their motivations, setting the stage for future installments in the series.

Violence, betrayal, and political maneuvering abound in this tale, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The characters are well-developed, with Zaria's strength and determination shining through as she faces countless challenges. The emotional depth of the story is palpable, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.

The book culminates in a satisfying finale that ties up key plotlines while leaving room for further exploration in future books. It is a testament to the author's ability to deliver a gripping story that balances action, romance, and intricate world building.

Overall, Woven in Darkness is a compelling start to a new fantasy series that offers a blend of fantasy, romance, and mythology. With its diverse cast of characters, immersive world, and emotionally charged narrative, it is a book that will leave readers eager for more.

findmeinfiction's review against another edition

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4.0

thank you to netgalley for a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars!
a fun read with an interesting world i'd like to read more of! the world building seemed a little choppy/confusing to me though, almost as if there was a book that must've come before this one that truly introduced/explained the world and magic. it was still entertaining and left me wanting to dive back in!
the romance was okay but definitely rushed to me, the chemistry was being built and then it all of a sudden seemed like they were exchanging I love yous with not enough middle/relationship building

shi2147's review against another edition

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Child abuse in enough detail to spark past trauma